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Calling all fans of survival games, dinosaurs, and…Vin Diesel? Studio Wildcard’s massively popular Ark: Survival Evolved has received years of support and content updates, but the team is now ready to fully evolve the experience with Ark 2.
Catching the initial wave of popularity of survival games, Ark stood apart from the crowd for placing players on a hostile island full of prehistoric dinosaurs. Not only could you fight these terrifying beasts, but Ark allowed you to tame and ride nearly all of them.
The sequel has been in the works for years after its initial reveal and the strange announcement of actor Vin Diesel’s involvement. While there’s still a lot we don’t know, we’ve dug up all the information there is on Ark 2’s release date, news, platforms, and more.
What is Ark 2?
Ark 2 is the follow-up to the original Ark: Survival Evolved. It’s been shortened instead of being called Ark Survival 2 to a catchier name. It will continue the story from the last official expansion called Genesis: Part 2.
Taking place on the alien planet called Arat, you will play as a stranded human trying to survive in a world filled with hostile dinosaurs.
While there is a plot you can progress, the core appeal of the game is its survival mechanics and RPG progression systems. You’ll start with a basic player eating berries and fighting with sticks, all the way up to advanced sci-fi weaponry. As you play, you’ll also tame dinosaurs and build sophisticated bases of operations.
Is Ark 2 a Sequel?
Yes, Ark 2 does continue the ongoing narrative from the first Ark game and all of its DLC expansions. However, if you simply want to play it as an open-world survival sandbox experience, you won’t feel lost not having caught up on the story.
Ark 2 Release Date
Expected: End of 2024
The Ark 2 release date has yet to be officially confirmed. The game has suffered numerous delays. It was originally set to come out in 2022, then 2023, and the last update promised a release by the end of 2024.
There’s still a chance that Ark 2 could come out this year, but considering how long it’s been without any updates, you may want to prepare yourself for a delay into 2025. If the sequel follows its predecessor then it could come out in early access first. This means the Ark 2 initial release date could differ from the finished product, but this is yet to be verified.
What Platforms Will Ark 2 Be Available On?
Xbox and PC Exclusive
When Ark 2 was revealed we also learned that it would be an Xbox console exclusive alongside a PC release. It will also be available as a day-one title on Game Pass for those with either a PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
After the recent Game Pass pricing and tier structure change, Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard subscribers will not have access to day-one titles. That means the Ark 2 release date should be the same day across PC and Xbox without having to wait per platform.
Ark 2 Trailer
The Ark 2 Announcement Teaser is actually quite long for a teaser, though it has no actual gameplay. This trailer sets the tone and setting for the game, showcasing a small tribe of humans fighting for survival against fellow humans and prehistoric beasts alike.
What will no doubt catch your eye is the appearance of none other than famous actor Vin Diesel. Apparently a massive fan of the original game, he has not only lent his likeness to the game with the main character Santiago, but is also the “president of creative convergence” – whatever that means.
The next trailer, simply titled Ark 2 Trailer, came a year later and featured in-engine footage, but still no real gameplay. This trailer is narrated by the same girl from the first trailer and gives a bit more context to the lore of Ark 2.
Why Fans Are Excited
The original Ark: Survival Evolved drew people in with its unique setting and mechanics, but proved it could go the distance thanks to extensive developer support. It managed to capture a very passionate portion of the survival game audience who have stuck around for years.
As great as the numerous updates and expansions were for Ark, even a remake in a new engine wouldn’t be enough to evolve the game and keep the experience fresh. Ark 2’s announcement kickstarted excitement for the game again for current and lapsed fans, but also those who never gave it a chance.
This new entry will also revamp combat to be more souls-like, as well as include more dynamic traversal options. Players will be able to free-climb, slide, mantle, and swing through the jungles with more grace than ever before.
Is Ark 2 a Sequel?
Yes, Ark 2 does continue the ongoing narrative from the first Ark game and all of its DLC expansions.
However, if you simply want to play it as an open-world survival sandbox experience, you won’t feel lost not having caught up on the story.
Ark 2 Price
Expected: $50-$70
Ark 2 does not have a price at this time. Ark: Survival Ascended costs $45 at the time of this writing, so we would predict Ark 2 would cost between $50 and the current $70 standard.
The Bottom Line
In a market filled with survival games, Ark 2 is one of the few to get a full sequel. It remains the only one to let players live out their fantasies of fighting and taming their favorite prehistoric beasts.
We don’t know what Vin Diesel’s involvement means for the game, but the revamped gameplay, updated graphics, and brand new alien world to explore has fans eagerly awaiting the full release.
